Which 2026 JRPGs Should You Play?

Even though it’s still early, 2026 is shaping up to be a great year for Japanese Role-Playing Games. We’ve already seen some promising titles since January, and while many big releases aren’t expected until July, we can anticipate developers announcing release dates – or possibly delays – as summer approaches.

With several games already released and more on the way, 2026 is shaping up to be a great year for gaming. We’ve already seen Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster come to PC and Xbox, and the exciting action JRPG The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales is coming soon. Let’s take a look at what other games are currently available or on the horizon.

Rearrange the covers into the correct US release order.

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More Games

Front Mission 3 Remake

Future Tactics

Originally released for the PlayStation in 2000, Front Mission 3 recently received an updated version called Front Mission 3: Remake on the Nintendo Switch in 2025—though it’s more accurately described as a remaster. Now available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, it’s a fantastic time to experience this engaging and difficult mech combat game.

The game features a series of focused missions where you control customizable mechs, known as Wanzers. You’ll carefully choose the best parts and weapons to equip them with. Because you lead a small team, every decision matters on the grid-based battlefields, and winning a difficult fight feels especially rewarding.

Pokemon FireRed & LeafGreen

Monster-Catching Reborn

Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, originally released for the Game Boy Advance in 2004, were updated versions of the very first Pokémon games. Now, they’re available on the Nintendo Switch, and will also be playable on the upcoming Switch 2. This re-release is perfectly timed, as the Pokémon franchise will be celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026.

Rediscover the origins of the Pokémon craze with updated graphics and maps as you journey through the Kanto region, striving to become a Pokémon master. Explore tall grass to catch and battle Pokémon, collect Gym Badges, and compete to become the ultimate champion in these beloved, classic RPGs.

Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster

Finally Leaving Nintendo

Originally released for the 3DS in Japan in 2012 and North America in 2014, Bravely Default: Flying Fairy received an updated version, Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster, as a launch title for the Switch 2 in 2025. Now, for the first time, players can enjoy all versions of the game on platforms beyond Nintendo, including PC and Xbox Series X/S.

This RPG is a fun, turn-based adventure inspired by classic Final Fantasy games. Players can fully customize a four-person team using a detailed Job system. It blends the charm of 80s and 90s RPGs with modern graphics and engaging combat.

Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection

Beyond The Battle Network

As a big Mega Man fan, I’m so excited about the Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection! It includes all three main games from the series that originally came out on the DS, and even all the different versions of each one. For those who don’t know, Star Force was kind of created as the next step after the Mega Man Battle Network games – it kept a lot of what made Battle Network great, but with a fresh new take.

Throughout the game, players collect equipment that unlocks unique combat skills, blending fast-paced action with strategic turn-based elements. Battles are viewed from a dynamic, over-the-shoulder third-person angle, offering a more contemporary feel compared to the Mega Man Battle Network series. Regardless of how much of the game players enjoy, fans are sure to have a blast!

Ys Memoire: Revelations In Celceta

A Top-Down Adventure

Originally released as Ys: Memories of Celceta on the PS Vita in 2013 for North American players, Ys Memoire: Revelations in Celceta is coming to the Switch in late April 2026. This action JRPG is part of the long-running Ys series and stars the series hero, Adol Christin. What sets this game apart from others in the series is its large number of playable characters.

The game involves exploring maps, battling monsters, and completing dungeons, though the gameplay loop is fairly straightforward. It was a surprisingly enjoyable experience on the PS Vita, and this Switch version promises to be just as fun.

Tales Of Arise – Beyond The Dawn Edition

The Man In The Iron Mask

Released in 2021 on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, Tales of Arise hasn’t had a sequel yet, which is surprising. But Switch 2 owners will soon be able to enjoy the game with the Tales of Arise – Beyond the Dawn Edition, launching in May with improved features and extra content.

The exciting action-based battles will still be a key part of the game, letting you control a team of four characters that you can switch between whenever you want. You’ll be able to combine their abilities through team-up moves for powerful and visually impressive combos. All of this takes place in a beautiful and magical world, making Tales of Arise a standout title in the series.

The Adventures Of Elliot: The Millennium Tales

HD-2D Zelda

Square Enix’s next game, The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales, will feature a beautiful HD-2D style. Unlike Octopath Traveler, which used turn-based battles, this new RPG will be an action-packed adventure with a focus on time travel.

Players explore a large world from above, venturing into dungeons and battling enemies in real-time using different weapons, tools, and the help of a fairy. A playable demo is currently available on the Switch 2, and the full game is scheduled to launch in mid-June.

Granblue Fantasy: Relink – Endless Ragnarok

A Sky-Based Dungeon-Crawler

Originally launched in 2024 for PC, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5, Granblue Fantasy: Relink is expanding to the Switch 2 this July with Granblue Fantasy: Relink – Endless Ragnarok. Similar to the expansion for Tales of Arise, this new version includes gameplay improvements and fresh content, offering something exciting for both existing fans and new players.

This action RPG features fast-paced combat, beautiful anime-style graphics, and a unique world with both traditional dungeons and floating environments. You can play with friends online in separate co-op dungeons, and the upcoming Switch 2 version will also let you play together locally.

Echoes Of Aincrad

An Anime Spinoff

Echoes of Aincrad is set in the world of Sword Art Online, which began as a popular series of novels and then became a famous anime. The first season of Sword Art Online follows players who become trapped inside a virtual reality game. This new game takes place during the beta test of that original game, and its story will eventually connect to the main storyline where players are stuck online.

In this new MMO, when your character dies in the game, the player also dies in real life – creating incredibly high stakes. Luckily, death isn’t permanent! Players can experience this thrilling action RPG on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S starting this July.

Decapolice

A Detective RPG

Level-5 is working on Decapolice, but updates have been scarce recently, which is unusual considering their recent showcase of upcoming titles. The game has been delayed multiple times, though the official website still targets a 2026 release. Even if it’s delayed again, fans know Level-5 is committed to quality and takes the time needed to create truly memorable RPGs.

This game lets you explore a large, open city as a detective. You’ll solve cases with turn-based combat, investigate clues, and even go undercover using disguises. Hopefully, Nintendo will showcase it in their next presentation and confirm it’s still on track for a 2026 release.

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2026-04-13 02:37